"I have a good deal here but what I will have to pay is three times the price. I've been looking around and it's outrageous," said Drageon.

Drageon has watched Union Square change. The change is not kind to small stores and restaurants. Closed businesses such as Lefty Odoul's Restuarant have become a common sight alongside the high-end shops and department stores that also occupy the Central San Francisco location.

"Just being on Union Square it makes a statement and looks good on paper," said Drageon.

Drageon recalls another small cafe that left recently because of skyrocketing rent.

"It was so expensive, it was $40,000 -- they couldn't afford it. They just said forget it," Drageon added.

That business said so long. The rent rose to $40,000 a month , that's nearly a half million dollars a year just to stay open in Union Square.